Statement by European Union spokesperson of HR Catherine Ashton on the murder of Rwandan politician

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 16 July 2010

A 138/10

Statement by the spokesperson of HR Catherine Ashton on the murder of Rwandan politician

The spokesperson of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement today :

"The European Union firmly condemns the brutal murder of M. André Kagwa Rwisereka, Vice President of the Rwandan Democratic Green Party on 13 July 2010 in Butare, Southern province of Rwanda.

The European Union urges the Rwandese Authorities to clarify the exact circumstances of this horrific killing and bring the perpetrators rapidly to justice.

The European Union also wishes to express its deep concern that three assassinations of public figures have now taken place in Rwanda within the last month. These assassinations have contributed to the deterioration of the political climate and to the emergence of a feeling of fear among the Rwandan citizens.

The European Union urges the Rwandese authorities to ensure that the investigations and judicial proceedings regarding these murders are carried out with full transparency and as rapidly as possible.

The European Union calls on the Authorities of Rwanda to restore a secure political environment conducive to an open, public and democratic debate, and to ensure the free expression of opinions."

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